Does this chapter prove the saying 'once saved, always saved' is wrong?
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1 Samuel 10 Summary
RECAP: The Israelite's had rejected God by demanding a king so that they could be like the nations. Yesterday we met Saul, the man God chose to give the Israelites exactly what they wanted. Ironically, the man who was to shepherd Israel couldn't even find his own lost donkeys and seems to be a bumbling fool. But at least he look really good, because that's what the people really cared about.
As Samuel prepares Saul to be crowned as the first king of Israel, it seems like God is going to transform the wayward fool into a godly leader:
v9 - God gave him another heart;
v10 - the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them;
But it doesn't take long to see that the change Saul experienced was fleeting. His uncle, who had heard about what happened since everyone was talking about it (v12), is eager to hear about what Samuel told him, but Saul says nothing about his changed heart or becoming king. All Saul mentions is that Samuel told him the donkeys had been found.
Then when the big moment comes for King Saul to be introduced to his subjects, the man who's outward appearance conveys bravery and leadership shows his true colors, cowering behind a pile of baggage.
Dig Deeper
This chapter presents some troubling theology for those of us who correctly understand the Bible to teach that God's elect can never lose their salvation. So how can it be that God chose Saul to be king, gave him a new heart, and set His Spirit upon him, only to later abandon him?
Commentator Richard Phillips helps explain:
The Lord enabled Saul to experience the spiritual high of prophetic utterance, yet Saul did not show the signs of a true rebirth, which comes with a new life of obedience to God’s Word... The evidence of salvation is not given by dramatic experiences or even great deeds, especially when there are no signs of repentance from a life of sin. Instead, the people who have been savingly known by Christ are those whose faith trusts in his Word and whose lives are marked by turning from iniquity in obedience to God’s will. The reality is that Saul’s experience perfectly fits with worldly attitudes toward God and salvation. Saul typified the kind of person who seeks spiritual experiences but has little interest in cultivating a true and living faith that obeys the Lord. In religion, as in other affairs, Saul was truly “a king … like all the nations,” one who gives lip service but not heart obedience to the Word of the Lord.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father calls us to put our full trust in Him, and not our political leaders;
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that your life will give daily evidence of a Spirit filled, regenerated heart.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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